Find out how popular the first name Wells has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wells by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Wells is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Wells being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 696 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Wells.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 18 baby girls were named Wells in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Wells

The given name Wells is an English surname that has been used as a masculine first name since the 19th century. It is derived from the Old English word "wielle" or "wiell," meaning a spring or stream of water. The name is associated with the natural world and may have originated as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a well or a source of water.

In its earliest recorded use as a first name, Wells appeared in the United States in the late 1800s. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this first name was Wells Goodykoontz, born in 1853 in Ohio. Another early bearer of the name was Wells College, founded in 1868 in Aurora, New York, and named after its founder, Henry Wells.

One of the most famous individuals named Wells was the English writer and science fiction pioneer, H.G. Wells (1866-1946). His full name was Herbert George Wells, and he is best known for his works such as "The Time Machine," "The War of the Worlds," and "The Invisible Man." Wells is considered a pioneer of the science fiction genre and his works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

Another notable figure with the name Wells was Wells Fargo (1824-1892), the American businessman and co-founder of the Wells Fargo Express Company, which later became the Wells Fargo Bank. His company played a crucial role in the development of the American West during the 19th century.

In the world of sports, Wells Bayley (1887-1965) was an American tennis player who won the U.S. National Championships (now the US Open) in 1905 and 1908. He was also a member of the U.S. Davis Cup team and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1958.

Wells Wentworth Hibbard (1804-1833) was an American painter known for his landscapes and portraits. He was part of the Hudson River School movement and his works are held in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

While the name Wells has its roots in Old English and was originally used as a surname, it has gained popularity as a masculine first name in more recent times, particularly in the English-speaking world. Its association with natural elements and historical figures has contributed to its enduring appeal.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wells was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wells, please contact us.

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